Post-surgical garment

ABSTRACT

A post medical procedure garment includes front and rear panels with height adjusting straps that extend over the wearer&#39;s shoulders. The front panel includes an outer compression fabric and an inner cup assembly, which is essentially non-compressive. The cup assembly includes individual cups for each breast. An elastic band extends around the bottom portion of the garment. Tensioning structures, such as side flaps extending from the back to the front, can be provided to adjust the circumferential size of the garment. The garment can include releasable closures on the side of the garment to aid in putting on and taking off the garment. A connector can removably attach a fluid storage device to the side flaps or the elastic band. The fluid storage device can hold post-medical procedure drainage fluid.

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/601,764, filed on Aug. 31, 2012 (Allowed), which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/461,982,filed May 2, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,460,054, which is a Continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/688,582, now U.S. Pat. No.8,172,639, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety for any purpose.

FIELD

This application relates generally to a garment worn by females, and,more specifically, to an undergarment and brassiere for wear after amedical procedure or a surgical procedure, for example, a mastectomy,cardiac or other procedure involving breast tissue or upper body.

BACKGROUND

Women wear sports brassieres (bras) to support their breasts and reducethe bounce that can be experienced during exercise for comfort. Researchhas shown that ill fitting bras, commonly worn by many women, can resultin damage to the fragile ligaments, which can be irreparably stretched,broken collar bones from sudden movement, and possibly nerve damage.These issues can be of even greater importance to larger chested women.If a woman experiences pain or discomfort during exercise, she maydecide to stop exercising, which may be detrimental to her overallhealth. The present inventor has determined that this can be a moresignificant problem, which has not been adequately addressed by currentsports bras.

A mastectomy is a surgical procedure for removal of a portion of or theentire breast, usually to remove cancerous tissue. The operation can beperformed in a hospital or in an outpatient clinic, depending on theextent of the operation. The operation takes from two to three hours.Three to five weeks are needed for full recovery.

Drainage shunts are left in the surgical incision for a few days afterthe operation; these typically are removed in five to seven days if thearea is healing normally. The drainage shunt removes fluids from thesurgical site. These fluids can include blood, lymph fluid and otherbodily fluids. Without a drainage shunt, fluid buildup can causeproblems with swelling, infection and pain. The drainage tubes extendout of an incision on the breast. The other end of the drainage tubesare connected to a collection container. The placement, retention andsupport of the collection container present a problem for the postsurgical patient. The present inventor has determined that this can be asignificant problem, which has not been adequately addressed by currentgarments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in thefigures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicatesimilar elements and in which:

FIG. 1A is a front view of a garment in accordance with an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 1B is a front view of the garment in accordance with an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the garment in accordance with an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the garment in accordance with an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 4 is an interior view of the front of the garment in accordancewith an example embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, interior view of the garment in accordance withan example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view of the garment being worn during use in accordance withan example embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 7-7 of FIG.1 in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the garment in accordance with an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a further side view of the garment in accordance with anexample embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a garment in accordance with an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a garment in accordance with an exampleembodiment; and

FIG. 12 is a view of the garment being worn during use in accordancewith an example embodiment.

FIG. 13A is a front view of a medical (e.g., mastectomy orpost-surgical) garment in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 13B is another front view of the medical garment in accordance withan example embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the medical garment in accordance with anexample embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the medical garment in accordance with anexample embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an interior view of the front of the medical garment inaccordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the medical garment in accordancewith an example embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a view of the medical garment being worn during use inaccordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a front view of another embodiment of a medical garment inaccordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a front view of yet another embodiment of a medical garmentin accordance with an example embodiment; and

FIG. 21 is a front view of an additional embodiment of a medical garmentin accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example apparatuses, devices, methods and systems are described. In thefollowing description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofexample embodiments. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in theart that the present invention can be practiced without these specificdetails.

In an example embodiment, an exercise garment includes a rear panel anda front panel connected to the rear panel. The front panel includes anelastic, outer cover fabric and a cup assembly to receive the breasts ofthe wearer. The cup assembly defines two cups that are joined by abridge. The cup assembly encapsulates the wearer's breasts in anessentially non-stretchable fabric. The cover fabric can be elastic andcan compress against the cup assembly to secure the wearer's breasts inplace during exercise. An elastic band is positioned beneath the cupassembly to secure the garment on the torso of the wearer. Shoulderstraps extend from the front panel to the rear panel. The garmentfurther includes a circumferential tightening structure to tighten thecircumference of the garment around the torso of the user. Thecircumferential tightening structure can engage the front of elasticband or the front panel to pull the front and rear panels together totighten the garment or reduce the circumferential size of the garment.Such a garment may be used as a post-medical procedure garment. In anexample, the garment can be used with a wound drainage apparatus.

The shoulder straps can be adjustable in length to position the frontpanel vertically. To be adjustable the shoulder straps are cantilevered(e.g., fixed to the rear panel) from the rear panel and releasablyconnect to the front panel. The free ends of both the shoulder strapscan lie over a portion of the respective first strap and second strapand secure thereto. Such shoulder straps may add additional benefits toa post-medical procedure wearer of the garment.

In an example, the circumferential tightening structure includes atleast one side flap that in a first, free position is connected to onlyone of the front panel and the rear panel and in a second, tensioningposition has another end that connects to the other of the front paneland rear panel. Flaps can be positioned on both sides of the garment.The rear sides of the flaps can be fixedly connected to the rear paneland extend essentially the height of the rear panel. The flaps caninclude a narrower end that is adapted to wrap around to the front paneland engage at least one of the front panel and the band to tension thegarment around the torso of the wearer.

The band is positioned on the bottom of the garment and can have onepart of a hook and loop connector. The flaps can include the other partof a hook and loop connector such that hook and loop connectorreleasably joins the flaps to the front of the band. The connector canrelease tension between the front panel and rear panel to assist inremoving the garment from the wearer.

The garment can be a shirt that has an extension connected to the frontand rear panel. The shirt extension can extend downwardly to cover alower part of a torso of a wearer.

In an example, the cups can each include an under support to assist inlifting the wearer's breasts. In an example, the under support includesa foam material. Other semi-rigid materials, e.g., a plastic or polymer,may be used to assist with support with the foam material.

In an example, a zipper or other removable connector can be positionedon a side of the garment, e.g., between the front and rear panels oradjacent the front or rear panel. The zipper can assist in securing thegarment and releasing the same after exercise. The use and positioningof the connectors may be beneficial to a post-medical procedure wearerof a garment with such connectors.

Optionally, these example garments can be used in a medical context,e.g., post-medical procedure, post-surgical or post mastectomy, toprovide adequate support for a wearer after the medical procedure. In anexample, the breast cup can have an aperture through which a drainagetube may extend. The tube can provide a fluid connection between thebody of the wearer and a drainage container. In an example, the presentgarment is worn and used with drain container holding system, e.g., thesystem shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,610,032, which is herebyincorporated by reference for any purpose. However, if U.S. Pat. No.6,610,032 conflicts with the present explicit disclosure, then thepresent disclosure controls interpretation.

In various examples, the garment can include a single side entry, e.g.,a hook and loop fastener, with the front, back and other side beingfixed together in a non-separatable manner, e.g., sewn or using a singlefabric construction. This can provide benefits in the medical uses ofthe present disclosure. The garment can be placed on a bed or gurneywith the one side open. A patient can be transferred onto the opengarment. The front piece is then brought over the front of the patientand positioned prior to closure. The open edge of the front can befastened to the open edge of the rear piece. It is believed that thisconstruction may reduce forces on the front of the patient in contrastto a front closure that requires the front to be pulled together morethan necessary to close some front closures. This may be beneficial tocardiac patients, e.g., these that have had a procedure that affects thesternum.

Any of the preceding paragraphs in this section can be combined witheach other.

The following detailed description includes references to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description.The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments.These example embodiments, which are also referred to herein as“examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled inthe art to practice the present subject matter. The embodiments can becombined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural, logical andelectrical changes can be made without departing from the scope of whatis claimed. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to betaken in a limiting sense, and the scope is defined by the appendedclaims and their equivalents.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term“or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or,” such that “A or B”includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwiseindicated. Furthermore, all publications, patents, and patent documentsreferred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In theevent of inconsistent usages between this document and those documentsso incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s)should be considered supplementary to that of this document; forirreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

FIG. 1A shows a garment 100 (generally in the shape of a brassiere) thatincludes a right shoulder strap 102 and a left shoulder strap 104extending from a back panel 106 to a front panel 108. The shoulderstraps 102, 104 are adapted to extend over a wearer's shoulders tosupport and to properly position the garment 100 on the wearer. Theshoulder straps 102, 104 are adjustable to position the garment,specifically, the front panel 108, in the vertical direction. The backand front panels 106, 108 are connected to each other to form acontinuous covering around the wearer's torso. The front panel 108 is tosupport the breasts of the wearer in a secure manner during exercise.The front panel 108 includes a formed inner portion, which forms twocups to support a woman's breasts, and an outer portion, which canprovide compression to secure the woman's breasts in place. These twoportions will be explained in greater detail herein. The back panel 106is racer back style such that the rear panel is significantly smallerthan the front panel 108. When correctly worn by a wearer, the backpanel 106 is centered on the mid-sagittal plane of the wearer's bodywith the bulk of the rear panel resting between the shoulder blades ofthe wearer. The back panel 106 is to provide support to the front panel108 and keep the front panel in the proper position for breast support.The front and back panels 108, 106 are connected, e.g., sewn, heatwelded or otherwise fixed to each other on sides, e.g., below the armsof the wearer. An elastized band 110 is fixed to the bottom edge of boththe front panel 108 and the rear panel 106. The band 110 can beintegrally sewn in the body of the panels 106, 108. A left side flap 112is connected to and cantilevered from a left side of the garment 100 andextends around at least part of the front panel 108 to provide anindividual fit for the wearer. A right side flap 114 is connected to andcantilevered from a right side of the garment 100 and extends around atleast part of the front panel 108 to provide an individual fit for thewearer. Each of the flaps 112, 114 extend less than half the width ofthe front panel. The flaps 112, 114 pull the rear and front panels 106,108 together to reduce the horizontal (here, circumferential) size ofthe garment.

The front panel 108 can include an aperture 190 through which a draintube can extend from the wearer's body to outside the garment. In aexample, the drainage tube may extend out of the cup between thematerial of the front panel, cup or side panels and extend down to adrainage collection apparatus. In another example, the aperture 190A isin the cup of the front panel 108. In an example, the aperture 190B(FIG. 1B) is on the side of the front panel 108 generally under the armof a wearer. The aperture can also include a plurality of aperturespositioned at various locations on the front panel. In a furtherexample, the aperture 190C is in the band 110 (FIG. 1B). A drainage tubecan also be positioned so that it extends out of the interior of thecup, e.g., over the top or side, to extend down to a drainage bulb thatcan be attached to the band 110. In another example, the drainage tubeaperture is positioned at the side of the garment 100, e.g., under thearm of the wearer.

FIG. 1B shows a front view of the garment 100 with the shoulder strap104 released from the connector 124 to show the details of the strap104. It will be recognized the other strap 102 can be the same as strap104 but a mirror image to comfortably fit on the other side of thewearer's body. Connector 124 includes two elongate apertures. Theapertures have two opposed linear sides that receive fabric therein. Afront panel aperture is fixed to a left upward extension 126 of thefront panel 108. A strap aperture 127 is to receive the free end of thecantilevered strap 104 therein. A same connector 125 connects to thefront panel 108 to the right strap 102. Strap 104 includes a hook andloop connector affixed thereto. An example of a hook and loop connectoris VELCRO™. The hook part 128 of the connector is affixed to the freeend of the strap 104. In an example, the hook part 128 coverssubstantially the width of the strap 104. The hook part 128 can have alength of about one inch or less. The loop part 129 of connector extendsthe width of the strap 104 and extends a significant length of the strap104. The loop part 129 can extend about 6 inches or less. The hook part128 and the loop part 129 are positioned on the same side of the strap104. In use, the free end of the strap 104 is inserted through theupper, free, strap aperture 127 and pulled upward to align the hook part128 with the loop part 129 by folding the strap back onto itself In anexample, the strap 104 folds over the front of connector 124 and threadsthrough the aperture 127 from the front to the back. The end of thestrap that is through the aperture 127 folds upwardly under theremaining part strap. This can provide a smooth outward appearance tothe strap 104 with the free end of the strap 104 tucked under the strap104. The hook and loop parts are mated together to fix the length of thestrap 104. The hook part 128 can be removed from the loop part 129 toadjust the length of the strap 104 so that the front panel is properlyaligned for the individual wearing the garment. As a result the frontpanel 108 can be positioned properly for the individual's body shape inthe vertical direction. The two upward extensions on the front panel 108and the main body form a neckline 130 that is below the top of the backpanel and below the neck of the wearer for comfort during exercise.

Shoulder straps 102, 104 can have two configurations. The firstconfiguration is shown as strap 102. The second configuration is shownas strap 104. While shown as two different configurations, it will beunderstood that the straps 102, 104 can be the same configuration forany individual garment 100. The first and second straps 102, 104 are anelastic fabric, however, the elastic will not stretch to such an extentthat the strap allows the front panel to sag. The free end of the strap104 is threaded under the connector 124 and threaded forwardly throughaperture 127 and then folded back on itself The hook and loop connectorincludes a first part on the forward face of the strap 104 for this typeof connection. The folded over part of the strap 104 then on the top ofstrap part on the wearer's shoulder and not in contact with the wearer'sshoulder. However, the strap 104 is shown in FIG. 1B with the connectorparts 128 and 129 in the free end, tuck under configuration. Theconnector parts 128 and 129 would be on the back (nonvisible side inFIG. 1B) of the strap 104 in the free end on top of the strapconfiguration. In the free end on top configuration of strap 104, thefree end of the strap 104 is easily accessed by the wearer andadjustments can easily be made while wearing the garment 100, even whileexercising. A cushioning pad 123 can be positioned on each of the straps102, 104 on the face of the strap whereat the strap comes into contactwith the wearer's shoulder. In the strap 104's configuration with thefree end of the strap folded over the top of the remaining portion ofthe strap, the free end will not block part of the cushion 123.Accordingly, the cushion 123 provides a cushion with the body of thewearer over its entire length. In an example, the strap may include aconnector to hold a drainage tube in position.

Also shown in FIG. 1B is the right flap 112 in an unconnected position,i.e., it is not affixed to the band 110. The left flap 114 is affixed tothe band 110. It will be understood that the flaps 112, 114 can be thesame and mirror images of each other on opposite sides of the garment.The flap 112 has a trapezoid shape with a bottom side 131 that issubstantially parallel with the bottom side of the band 110. Thevertical sides 132, 133 being essentially perpendicular to the bottomside 131. The top side 134 slopes downwardly to the front vertical side133. In the free position, the flap 112 is only connected to the rearpanel 108 at the rear side 132. The rear side 132 has a height that isequal to the height of the rear panel 108 whereat the flap 112 isconnected to the rear panel. In another example, the flap 112 isconnected to the seam whereat the front panel 108 and the rear panel 106are connected. In another example, the rear side 133 has a height lessthan the height of the rear panel 106 at the location whereat the rearside 133 is connected. The rear side 133 will have a height greater thanhalf the height of the rear panel 106, where connected. A connectorreleasably connects the flap 112 to the band. The connector can be ahook and loop connector. The hook part 135 is fixed to the inner side ofthe flap 112 adjacent the front side 132. The loop part 136 is fixed tothe front face of the band 110. In an example, the hook part 135 andloop part 136 each have a height of about half inch. The hook part 135has a length of about one and half inch. The loop part 136 can extendacross the entire front length of the band 110. In another example, theloop part 136 extends about one-third the length of the band 110. Inanother example, a break in the loop part 136 is located at the midpointof the band 110. In use, the wearer grips the flap 112 and pulls thefree front end side 133 to align the hook part 135 with the loop part136. The wearer stretches the flap 112 to create a tension in the fabricof the flap and then fixes the hook and loop parts 135, 136 to connectthe free end of the flap to the band 110. The shape of flap 112distributes the tension from the front side end of the flap to theentire height of the rear panel while pulling the band 110 tighter aboutthe torso of the wearer. Any excess material of at least one of thefront panel 108, rear panel 106, and/or band 110 under the flap 112 canfold comfortably at the sides of the wearer. As a result thecircumferential size of the band 110 and the garment 100 as a whole canbe adjusted to fit the wearer's torso and the comfort level of thewearer. The circumferential size and tension of the garment 100 areadjustable such that the garment can be individualized for any wearer.

An aperture 190D can also be aligned with the flap 112. Aperture 190Dcan extend through the front panel or through the band at a locationwhere it would be at least partially covered or completely covered bythe flap 112 when the garment is worn. The aperture 190D can provide athrough hole so that a drain tube can extend from the wearer's body toexterior the garment 100. While

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the garment 100 with the flap 114 free fromconnection to the front of the band 110 to show the side portion 140 ofthe garment 100 that can be pulled together to reduce the circumferenceof the garment 100. The width of the side portion 140 is measured fromthe seam 142, where the back panel 106 is connected to the front panel108, and the seam 144, where the flap is fixed to the rear panel 106. Itwill be further recognized that the loop part 136 extends far enough tothe other side that the flap 114 can move its seam 144 to seam 142 withthe hook part 135 fully engage the loop part 136 on the front of theband 110.

The front panel 108 includes a fabric cover 151 that extends the entiresize of the front panel. Fabric cover 151 is at least one layer of astretchable, vertically and horizontally, fabric that can providetension and compression to the front of the wearer. The stretchablefabric can be a knit material that can include LYCRA™, spandex, or othersynthetic stretchable polymer. In an example, the resilient stretchablematerial is up to 10% of the content of the fabric. Other wickingmaterial can be used in the fabric cover, e.g., COOLMAX™. Cover 151extends the entire extent of the front panel and it connects to the rearpanel 106. Cup assembly 152 is positioned beneath the cover 151 and ispartially visible in FIG. 2. The cup assembly 152 is not visible inFIGS. 1A and 1B as the cover 151 completely covers the cup assembly 152but the cup assembly 153 is form holding (e.g., semi-rigid). Hence, thecup assembly 152 gives a shape to the front panel 108 which would notexist due to the fabric cover alone. The cup assembly 152 defines twodistinct cups 153, 154 (see, FIGS. 3 and 4 for a better view of thecups) for receiving the breasts of a wearer. The cup assembly 152 cansupport and secure the breasts in place, particularly when the wearer asa larger cup size, and can help reduce the single breast look when bothbreasts are compressed in a traditional sports bra or medicalcompression bra. The two individual cups 153, 154 can individuallyencapsulate the wearer's breasts.

Apertures, e.g., 190B or 190E, can be positioned on the side of thegarment 100. An aperture 190E is in a side of the band 110 and mustextend through the flap 112. However, as the flap 112 may not always bein the same position relative to side part of the garment 100, theaperture in the flap may be vertically aligned and the same verticaldimension as the aperture in the side of the front panel (or rear paneldepending on the construction). However, the aperture in flap 112 may beelongate in the horizontal direction to account for the operation of theflap 112 to alter the width of the garment in direction 140.

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the garment 100 including the rear bandportion 110B, which can have a stronger elastic strength than theremainder of the band. The rear panel 106 includes a narrow upperportion 161 that can seamlessly transition into the straps 104, 106.Upper portion 161 is sized such that it essentially lies between thescapulae of the wearer and not interfere or chaff the user duringexercise. The rear panel 106 includes a lower portion 162, which can bean integral fabric with the upper portion 161. The lower portion 162 hasa height that extends from essentially beneath the wearer's scapulae andto essentially beneath the circumferential line beneath the wearer'sbreasts. Accordingly, the shape of the upper portion 161, the lowerportion 162, straps 102, 104, and the top part of the front panel 108 tonot interfere with freedom of movement of the arms and shoulders of thewearer. In an example, the rear panel 106 or rear part of the band 110can include an aperture 190F through which a drain tube can extend.

FIG. 4 shows a rear view of the front panel 108 including the cover 151and the cup assembly 152, i.e., the rear panel is removed to moreclearly show the cup assembly 152. The right and left cups 153 and 154can be sized to fit a woman's breast size and individually encapsulate awearer's breast. Thus, the inventor's of the present invention havefound that a cup, e.g., A, B, C, D, DD, etc. that matches a wearer'sbreast size with a compressive cover, i.e., 151, provides a morecomfortable fit and secures the breasts during exercise. However, largercup sizes may require more support. An under support 166, 167 ispositioned along the bottom arcuate side of the cups 153, 154,respectively. The under support 166, 167 is positioned such that itextends under the wearer's breasts to provide further support. In anexample, the under support 166 or 167 is a foam insert within therespective cup. The foam can have a density. In an example, the undersupports 166, 167 are a gel with the cup. In an example, the undersupports 166, 167 are a pliable polymer material that provides supportwithout causing pressure points on the wearer. In a further example, theunder support 166, 167 can be an underwire if the underwire is coated orcovered such that it does not provide pressure points on the wearer. Thefoam insert under support 166, 167 create a thicker portion of therespective cup that the remainder of the cup. The under support extendsinwardly into the concave portion of the cup such the outer portion ofthe cup is smooth to provide an attractive, smooth appearance for thewearer.

The cup assembly 152 includes a bridge 169 is positioned between thecups 153, 154. The bridge 169 has the less height as compared to theremainder of the cup assembly. The bridge is essentially flat andnarrower at the top than at the bottom. The inner ends of the undersupports 166, 167 end adjacent the bridge 169. The bridge 169 is asemi-rigid fabric, in an example. Semi-rigid means that the bridge willhold its shape and hold the cups in position unless a significant forceis applied to the bridge. A significant force may be greater than forcesapplied to a brassiere while it is being conventionally worn on the bodyof a wearer. The bridge 169 acts to hold the cups 153, 154 laterally inplace. The bridge 169 is rigid to such an extent that it does not allowthe cups 153, 154 to move laterally relative to each other, yet allowsthe cups to move forward and rearward. As a result, the cups 153,154individually encapsulate the wearer's breasts prior to compression bythe outer fabric cover 151 with the bridge 169 holding the two cups 153,154 in place relative to each other.

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the cup 154 with the under support 167and the bridge 169. The cup 154 can help lift the breast therein by theunder support 167 and encloses the breast tissue therein. The outerfabric cover can then compress against the cup 154, which is holding thebreast. Traditional sports bras do not provide a cup that lifts,encapsulates, and then compresses the breasts as the present inventioncan. Moreover, traditional sports bras are nor designed to bepost-surgical garments that may be used with a drainage collectionapparatus.

FIG. 6 shows the exercise garment 100 being worn during use with theshoulder straps 102, 104 over the shoulders of the wearer with thewearer's breasts being held (lifted, encapsulated and then compressed)in the front panel 108. The side flaps 112, 114 assist in tightening thegarment around the wearer's torso.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 7-7 of FIG.1 of the garment 100. The front panel 108 includes the front cover 151overlying the entire cup 154. The under support 167 is positionedbetween the cup material and the cover 151 material. The flap 114 isaffixed to the band 110 beneath the cup 154.

FIG. 8 is a side views of a garment 100A similar to the side view ofgarment 100 described above. Garment 100A is similar to garment 100 inthat it has a front panel 108 and a rear panel 106. Garment 100Aincludes a vertical closure 801 that releasably connects the front andrear panels 108, 106 together. In an example the closure 801 is azipper. In other embodiment, the closure 801 can be a laced tie or hookand loop fastener. The closure 801 can extend the entire height of theside of the garment 100A.

FIG. 9 shows a partial side view of a garment 100B where the closure 901does not release the entire height of the garment side. The closure 901releases from the bottom to release the tension on the garment such thatthe wearer can more easily disrobe. In an example, the bottom band 110is elastic and expands about one inch to the torso circumference of thewearer for a snug fit. However, during exercise, the garment becomes wetwith perspiration and may be difficult to remove. Here, the wearerreleases the closure 801 to release the tension of the band or the bodyof the garment to make the garment easier to remove.

FIG. 10 shows a partial side view of a garment 100C, which includes ashirt 1000 that can be connected to the front panel 108 and the rearpanel 106. In an example, the shirt 1000 is constructed as a singlefabric. Otherwise the front and rear panels 108, 106 can be the same asthose described herein. The shirt 1000 extends downwardly from the band110 to cover more of the wearer's torso. A closure device 1001 isprovided to allow the garment 100C to be loosened and tightened on thewearer's body. For example, the closure 1001 is shown under the outerfabric. The closure acts to hold the front panel 108 and rear panel 106in place to support the wearer's breasts. In an example, the closuredevice 1001 is a zipper defining a closed position with slider at thebottom beneath or at the band 110. In an example, the closed position ofthe device 1001 is at the top of the garment 100C. While shown as underthe outer layer of the shirt 1000, it is within the scope of anembodiment to position the closure 1001 at the outside of the shirt1000.

In an example, the front panel 108 includes a cup assembly (not shown inFIG. 10) as described herein. Other cup assemblies can be used with thisshirt version of the present garment 100C. The cup assemblies for usewith garment 100C can be a flexible, limp fabric that defines a cup asopposed to the semi-rigid, more supportive cup assembly 152 describedabove. This fabric cup assembly can be in two separate parts at each cuplocation. These separate parts are connected to the outer, compressivelayer of the front panel 108. In an example, the fabric cup assembly isa wicking or mesh fabric. The shirt-like garment 100C can also be usedwith a wound drainage collection apparatus.

FIG. 11 shows a front view of a garment 100D, which includes a shirtextension 1103 that extends downwardly from band 110 to cover more ofthe torso and the abdomen of the wearer. Garment 100D includes the frontpanel 108 and tightening flaps 112, 114 as described herein. The straps102, 104 can also be the same as those described herein. This shirtgarment 100D can further be modified to replace the flaps 112, 114 withthe closures 801, 901, or 1001, which would operate as described herein.The shirt-like garment 100D can also be used with a wound drainagecollection apparatus.

In a further example, garment 100D can include the side closures 901,1001 on the sides thereof. Adding the side closures 901, 1001 to thegarment 100D provides additional ease of use, e.g., putting on andtaking off the garment 100D.

FIG. 12 shows a view of the garment 100E that includes the same featuresas with regard to FIGS. 1-6 as well as a side closure 901, which can bethe same as the closures shown in FIGS. 9-10. Closure 901 is shown inthe closed position. If the closure 901 is opened, then the front panel108 and the rear panel 106 on the side of the wearer can move apart fromeach other. This will ease the ability to take off and put on thegarment 100E. In the illustrated example, the closure 901 is a zippercan extend beneath the flap 112. In an example, the closure 901 is onlyon one side of the garment 100E. In an example, a closure is on eachside of the garment. The closure 901 can extend all the way through thegarment 100E so that the front panel 108 and rear panel 106 arecompletely separated. The closure 901, in an example, only extendspartway down the side of the garment. It will further be recognized thatthe closure 901 can be positioned as shown in FIG. 9 and closed when atthe bottom of the garment 100E. When the closure is a zipper, it canhave its slider under the flap when the garment is worn.

The rear panel 106, part of the front panel 108, straps 102, 104, flaps112, 114, i.e., structures except for the cup assembly 152, of thegarment can be constructed of at least one of stretchable polymer, wovenfabric that provides both vertical and horizontal stretch. In anexample, the fabric used for the garment can be up to ten percentspandex and the remainder polyester. In an example, spandex is eightpercent. In an example, spandex is sixteen percent. In some embodiments,spandex can be up to about 20%, +/−2%. The percent can be measured byweight or by thread count. Examples of fabrics include COOLMAX™ materialby Invista North America of Wilmington Del., DRYLAYER™ material byRussell Brands of Alexander City Ala., SUPPLEX™ or LYCRA™ material byInvista North America of Wilmington Del., all of which provides stretch,support, breathability for the skin and reinforcement of the garment100. Moreover, the garment structures described herein can further befabricated as multiple pieces that are then joined together to providethe structures described herein.

Rear panel 106 is described as a racer back construction. It will berecognized that other rear panel styles can be used in the presentinvention. In an example, the rear panel 106 can be a full back panelthat extends to cover the back of the wearer, including over thescapulae of the wearer. In a further example, the rear panel 106 canhave a profile that is substantially similar to the front panel as shownherein.

It will further be within the scope of the present disclosure to providethe apertures 190A-190F in any of the examples shown in FIGS. 7-12. Theapertures are optional as a drainage tube may be run out of the top ofthe garment 100, e.g., the top of the cup assembly. In some examples,there are no apertures and the drainage tube extends out of an openspace in the garment to a drainage collection apparatus.

While many of the above examples describe hook and loop connectors incertain configurations where the hook part and the loop part are on thecertain structures. It will be understood that the hook and loop partscould be reversed and positioned in the other structure. The hook andloop connector can be VELCRO™.

The present inventor has further determined that exercise bras must alsohave an attractive appearance and comfort for them to be accepted bywomen. The present garments can be made in varying chest and breast cupsizes while providing adequate support for women engaging in exerciseand sports. It is known that exercise and sports can result in negativeimpact on the breast tissue if not adequately supported. The design ofthe present garment provides much greater comfort to the wearer'sbreasts than current sports bras. This increased comfort can result inthe garment being worn longer than conventional sports bras, which canresult in the wearer exercising for longer periods of time and morefrequently as soreness due to inadequate support. The garment isindividually adjustable in both vertical and horizontal directions toprovide an individual fit for the wearer as women's bodies are alldifferent. Moreover, if a woman loses weight over time or has gainedweight, then the garment can be adjusted accordingly to continue to fitthe woman properly. Similar fit concerns are of concern in post-medicalprocedure garments. The presently described garment may be of use towomen following a medical procedure.

The present inventor has unexpectedly recognized the need to improvewomen's exercise apparel, and post-medical procedure garments, byproviding a garment that individually lifts a woman's breasts,individually encapsulates each breast in an individual cup, and thencompresses the breasts to hold then in place while exercising. Thepresent garment allows a woman to present a more natural looking profilewhile maintaining proper support. It is further believed that providinga natural profile will help the wearer look better and feel better aboutherself, and hence be more likely to exercise. In the area of postmedical procedure garments, a properly fitting garment is more likely tobe worn by a patient and may assist in proper recovery.

Some women today have a significant investment in breast reconstructionor augmentation. The present garment can protect these investments andhelp reduce the likelihood of addition corrective surgery by properlysupporting the breast during exercise. It has been reported that awoman's breast can move up to 21 cm. during exercise and hence it isimportant to properly support and restrict movement during exercise.

It will further be recognized that the garment can include pockets tocarry items, such as music players or medical readers. Such pockets maybe on the cup, front panel, straps, back panel, or side panels.

Thus, exercise garments, such as bras, support shirts, and tankinis, andmethods of their use have been described. Although embodiments have beendescribed with reference to specific example embodiments, it will beevident that various modifications and changes can be made to theseexample embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scopeof the present application. Accordingly, the specification and drawingsare to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

In an example embodiment, a medical garment includes a rear panel and afront panel connected to the rear panel. The medical garment can be apost-surgical garment, post-medical procedure garment, a garment to beworn while undergoing a medical procedure or other applications where afluid connection to a wearer's body may be desired for an extendedperiod of time. The front panel includes an elastic, outer cover fabricand a cup assembly to receive the breasts of the wearer. The cupassembly defines two cups that are joined by a bridge. The cup assemblyencapsulates the wearer's breasts in an essentially non-stretchablefabric. The cover fabric can be elastic and can compress against the cupassembly to secure the wearer's breasts in place. An elastic band ispositioned beneath the cup assembly to secure the garment on the torsoof the wearer. Shoulder straps extend from the front panel to the rearpanel. The garment further includes a circumferential tighteningstructure to tighten the circumference of the garment around the torsoof the user. The circumferential tightening structure can engage thefront of elastic band or the front panel to pull the front and rearpanels together to tighten the garment or reduce the circumferentialsize of the garment.

The shoulder straps can be adjustable in length to position the frontpanel vertically. To be adjustable the shoulder straps are cantilevered(e.g., fixed to the rear panel) from the rear panel and releasablyconnect to the front panel. The free ends of both the shoulder strapscan lie over a portion of the respective first strap and second strapand secure thereto.

In an example, the circumferential tightening structure includes atleast one side flap that in a first, free position is connected to onlyone of the front panel and the rear panel and in a second, tensioningposition has another end that connects to the other of the front paneland rear panel. Flaps can be positioned on both sides of the garment.The rear sides of the flaps can be fixedly connected to the rear paneland extend essentially the height of the rear panel. The flaps caninclude a narrower end that is adapted to wrap around to the front paneland engage at least one of the front panel and the band to tension thegarment around the torso of the wearer.

The elastic band is positioned on the bottom of the garment and can haveone part of a first hook and loop connector. The flaps can include theother part of the first hook and loop connector such that first hook andloop connector releasably joins the flaps to the front of the band. Theconnector can release tension between the front panel and rear panel toassist in removing the garment from the wearer.

In an example, a fluid storage device is removably attached to thecircumferential tightening structure. A second hook and loop connectorconnects the fluid storage device to the circumferential tighteningstructure. A loop part of the second connector is attached to at leastone flap and a hook part of the connector is attached to the fluidstorage device. The fluid storage device has a cap with an inlet nozzle.At least one aperture extends through the cup assembly and a drainagetube is positioned to extend through the aperture and be connected tothe inlet nozzle. In an example, the fluid storage device is a wounddrainage collection apparatus.

In another example, a fluid storage device is removably attached to theelastic band. A second hook and loop connector connects the fluidstorage device to the elastic band. A loop part of the second connectoris attached to the elastic band and a hook part of the connector isattached to the fluid storage device. The fluid storage device has a capwith an inlet nozzle. At least one aperture extends through the cupassembly and a drainage tube is positioned to extend through theaperture and be connected to the inlet nozzle.

In an additional example, a fluid storage device is removably attachedto the circumferential tightening structure. A hook and loop beltconnects the fluid storage device to the circumferential tighteningstructure. A hook and loop belt is attached to at least one flap and aretaining band is attached to the fluid storage device. The fluidstorage device has a cap with an inlet nozzle. At least one apertureextends through the cup assembly and a drainage tube is positioned toextend through the aperture and be connected to the inlet nozzle.

In one more example, a fluid storage device is removably attached to thesurgical garment. A skirt extends below the elastic band. One or morepockets are located in the skirt. The fluid storage device can beinserted into and removed from the pocket. The fluid storage device hasa cap with an inlet nozzle. At least one aperture extends through thecup assembly and a drainage tube is positioned to extend through theaperture and be connected to the inlet nozzle.

FIG. 13A shows a post-surgical garment or a medical (e.g., a mastectomy,lumpectomy, lymphadenectomy, cardiac surgery, heart surgery, lungsurgery, other torso surgeries, etc.) garment 200 that includes a rightshoulder strap 102 and a left shoulder strap 104 extending from a backpanel 106 to a front panel 108. The shoulder straps 102, 104 are adaptedto extend over a wearer's shoulders to support and to properly positionthe garment 200 on the wearer. The shoulder straps 102, 104 areadjustable to position the garment, specifically, the front panel 108,in the vertical direction. The back and front panels 106, 108 areconnected to each other to form a continuous covering around thewearer's torso. The front panel 108 is to support the breasts of thewearer in a secure manner during exercise. The front panel 108 includesa formed inner portion, which forms two cups to support a woman'sbreasts, and an outer portion, which can provide compression to securethe woman's breasts in place. These two portions will be explained ingreater detail herein. The back panel 106 is racer back style such thatthe rear panel is significantly smaller than the front panel 108. Whencorrectly worn by a wearer, the back panel 106 is centered on themid-sagittal plane of the wearer's body with the bulk of the rear panelresting between the shoulder blades of the wearer. The back panel 106 isto provide support to the front panel 108 and keep the front panel inthe proper position for breast support. The front and back panels 108,106 are connected, e.g., sewn, heat welded or otherwise fixed to eachother on sides, e.g., below the arms of the wearer.

An elastized band 110 is fixed to the bottom edge of both the frontpanel 108 and the rear panel 106. The band 110 can be integrally sewn inthe body of the panels 106, 108. A left side flap 112 is connected toand cantilevered from a left side of the garment 200 and extends aroundat least part of the front panel 108 to provide an individual fit forthe wearer. Left side flap 112 has an outer surface 112A and an innersurface 112B. A right side flap 114 is connected to and cantileveredfrom a right side of the garment 100 and extends around at least part ofthe front panel 108 to provide an individual fit for the wearer. Rightside flap 114 has an outer surface 114A and an inner surface 114B (seenin FIG. 14). Each of the flaps 112, 114 extend less than half the widthof the front panel. The flaps 112, 114 and rear and front panels 106,108 and band 110 form a circumferential tensioning or tighteningstructure 208. The circumferential tightening structure 208 of flaps112, 114 pull the rear and front panels 106, 108 together to reduce thehorizontal (here, circumferential) size of the garment and tension thegarment about the wearer.

A drainage fluid storage or holding device or assembly 250 has acontainer, bag or bottle 252 that is at least partially transparent sothat a user may view the contents of container 252. Container, bag orbottle 252 can be formed from a flexible material such as plastic. Inone embodiment, container 252 can be collapsible such that it can bepositioned close to the body of the wearer and not excessively protrude.A cap 254 is releasably attached to container 252. Cap 254 can beattached by threads or may be press fit onto housing 252. In oneembodiment, cap 254 may be permanently attached to housing 252. Cap 254has a tapered inlet nozzle 256 and an outlet nozzle 258. A plug 259 canbe inserted into outlet nozzle 258 in order to seal outlet nozzle 258.Plug 259 is retained to cap 254 by a tether 257. Drainage tube 260 hasends 262 and 264. Tube end 262 can be connected to inlet nozzle 256 bypress fitting end 262 over inlet nozzle 256. Inlet nozzle 256 can havecircumferential ribs to retain end 262. Drainage tube end 264 is adaptedto be implanted at a surgical site. Apertures 204 extend through frontpanel 108. Drainage tube end 264 can be inserted through an aperture 204and continue to the surgical site. In an example, apertures 204 areround. In another example, apertures 204 are elongated and form a slot.In an additional example, apertures 204 take the form of a slit in frontpanel 108. In one example, apertures 204 are located at the bottom ofthe breast cups. In another example, apertures 204 are located at thesides of the breast cups.

A releasable fastener or connector 270 can be used to attach drainagefluid storage or holding assembly 250 to medical garment 200. Connector270 can be a hook and loop connector. Connector 270 includes a generallyplanar hook tab or member 271 and loop strips 210. Hook tab or member271 can have hooks on one side or both sides. Hook tab or member 271 isconnected to cap 254 by an arm 272. In one embodiment, hook member 271and arm 272 are injection molded directly with cap 254 from a plasticmaterial. In another embodiment, hook member 271, arm 272 and retentionloop 274 are formed from a fabric material. Retention loop 274 can beheld to container 252 by cap 254.

Loop strips 210 are attached or fixed to the front of medical garment200. A pair of loop strips 210 are attached to the outer side or surface112A of flap 112. Another pair of loop strips 210 are attached to theouter side or surface 114A of flap 114. Loop strips 210 can be attachedto outer surfaces 112A and 114A by any suitable method such as sewing orusing an adhesive. Drainage fluid storage or holding assembly 250 can beattached and detached from flaps 112 and 114 using hook and loopconnectors 270. In an example, loop strips 210 each have a height ofabout half inch and a length of about one and half inch. In anotherexample, loop strips 210 each have a height of about half inch andextend across the length of each of outer sides or surfaces 112A and114A.

FIG. 13B illustrates a front view of the medical garment 200 with theshoulder strap 104 released from the connector 124 to show the detailsof the strap 104. It will be recognized the other strap 102 can be thesame as strap 104 but a mirror image to comfortably fit on the otherside of the wearer's body. Connector 124 includes two elongateapertures. The apertures have two opposed linear sides that receivefabric therein. A front panel aperture is fixed to a left upwardextension 120 of the front panel 108. A strap aperture 127 is to receivethe free end of the cantilevered strap 104 therein. A same connector 125connects to the front panel 108 to the right strap 102. Strap 104includes a hook and loop connector affixed thereto. An example of a hookand loop connector is VELCRO™. The hook part 128 of the connector isaffixed to the free end of the strap 104. In an example, the hook part128 covers substantially the width of the strap 104. The hook part 128can have a length of about one inch or less. The loop part 129 ofconnector extends the width of the strap 104 and extends a significantlength of the strap 104. The loop part 129 can extend about 6 inches orless. The hook part 128 and the loop part 129 are positioned on the sameside of the strap 104. In use, the free end of the strap 104 is insertedthrough the upper, free, strap aperture 127 and pulled upward to alignthe hook part 128 with the loop part 129 by folding the strap back ontoitself. In an example, the strap 104 folds over the front of connector124 and threads through the aperture 127 from the front to the back. Theend of the strap that is through the aperture 127 folds upwardly underthe remaining part strap. This can provide a smooth outward appearanceto the strap 104 with the free end of the strap 104 tucked under thestrap 104. The hook and loop parts are mated together to fix the lengthof the strap 104. The hook part 128 can be removed from the loop part129 to adjust the length of the strap 104 so that the front panel isproperly aligned for the individual wearing the garment. As a result thefront panel 108 can be positioned properly for the individual's bodyshape in the vertical direction. The two upward extensions on the frontpanel 108 and the main body form a neckline 130 that is below the top ofthe back panel and below the neck of the wearer for comfort.

Shoulder straps 102, 104 can have two configurations. The firstconfiguration is shown as strap 102. The second configuration is shownas strap 104. While shown as two different configurations, it will beunderstood that the straps 102, 104 can be the same configuration forany individual garment 200. The first and second straps 102, 104 are anelastic fabric, however, the elastic will not stretch to such an extentthat the strap allows the front panel to sag. The free end of the strap104 is threaded under the connector 124 and threaded forwardly throughaperture 127 and then folded back on itself. The hook and loop connectorincludes a first part on the forward face of the strap 104 for this typeof connection. The folded over part of the strap 104 is then on the topof strap part on the wearer's shoulder and not in contact with thewearer's shoulder. However, the strap 104 is shown in FIG. 13B with theconnector parts 128 and 129 in the free end, tuck under configuration.The connector parts 128 and 129 would be on the back (nonvisible side inFIG. 13B) of the strap 104 in the free end on top of the strapconfiguration. In the free end on top configuration of strap 104, thefree end of the strap 104 is easily accessed by the wearer andadjustments can easily be made while wearing the garment 200. Acushioning pad 123 can be positioned on each of the straps 102, 104 onthe face of the strap whereat the strap comes into contact with thewearer's shoulder. In the strap 104's configuration with the free end ofthe strap folded over the top of the remaining portion of the strap, thefree end will not block part of the cushion 123. Accordingly, thecushion 123 provides a cushion with the body of the wearer over itsentire length.

Also shown in FIG. 13B is the right flap 112 in an unconnected position,i.e., it is not affixed to the band 110. The left flap 114 is affixed tothe band 110. It will be understood that the flaps 112, 114 can be thesame and mirror images of each other on opposite sides of the garment.The flap 112 has a generally trapezoid shape with a bottom side 131 thatis substantially parallel with the bottom side of the band 110. Thevertical sides 132, 133 being essentially perpendicular to the bottomside 131. The top side 134 slopes downwardly to the front vertical side133. In the free position, the flap 112 is only connected to the rearpanel 108 at the rear side 132. The rear side 132 has a height that isequal to the height of the rear panel 108 whereat the flap 112 isconnected to the rear panel. In another example, the flap 112 isconnected to the seam whereat the front panel 108 and the rear panel 106are connected. In another example, the rear side 133 has a height lessthan the height of the rear panel 106 at the location whereat the rearside 133 is connected. The rear side 133 will have a height greater thanhalf the height of the rear panel 106, where connected.

A connector 137 releasably connects the flap 112 to the band 110. Theconnector can be a hook and loop connector. The hook part 135 is fixedto the inner side or surface 112A of the flap 112 adjacent the frontside 132. The loop part 136 is fixed to the front face of the band 110.In an example, the hook part 135 and loop part 136 each have a height ofabout half inch. The hook part 135 has a length of about one and halfinch. The loop part 136 can extend across the entire front length of theband 110. In another example, the loop part 136 extends about one-thirdthe length of the band 110. In another example, a break in the loop part136 is located at the midpoint of the band 110.

In use, the wearer grips the flap 112 and pulls the free front end side133 to align the hook part 135 with the loop part 136. The wearerstretches the flap 112 to create a tension in the fabric of the flap andthen fixes the hook and loop parts 135, 136 to connect the free end ofthe flap to the band 110. The shape of flap 112 distributes the tensionfrom the front side end of the flap to the entire height of the rearpanel while pulling the band 110 tighter about the torso of the wearer.Any excess material of at least one of the front panel 108, rear panel106, and/or band 110 under the flap 112 can fold comfortably at thesides of the wearer. As a result, the circumferential size of the band110 and the garment 200 as a whole can be adjusted to fit the wearer'storso and the comfort level of the wearer. The circumferential size andtension of the garment 200 are adjustable such that the garment can beindividualized for any wearer.

The wearer can attach drainage fluid storage or holding assembly 250 tomedical garment 200. The wearer connects drainage tube end 262 to inletnozzle 256. Drainage tube end 264 can be connected to a shunt andimplanted at the surgical site to be drained during surgery. Next, thewearer grasps container 252 and positions container 252 such that hooktab or member 271 abuts and contacts one or more of loop strips 210. Thewearer presses on hook tab or member 271 to cause engagement of hooks onhook tab 271 with the loops of loop strip 210. Container 252 is nowretained to mastectomy garment 200. The wearer can remove the plug 259from outlet nozzle 258 and squeeze or compress flexible container 252forcing air out from container 252 through outlet nozzle 258. Plug 259is then replaced in outlet nozzle 258 creating a vacuum within container252. Container 252 is formed so that it is biased to return to itsnormal non-compressed state. Compressing container 252 and then pluggingoutlet nozzle 258 with plug 259 creates a vacuum or suction withincontainer 252. A continuous suction fluid communication path 214 isformed from container 252, inlet nozzle 256 and drainage tube 260 to thesurgical site. Suction fluid communication path 214 allows for thevacuum within container 252 to continuously draw surgical drainage fluidfrom the surgical site through drainage tube 260, nozzle 258 and intocontainer 252 where it is held or stored.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the medical garment 200 without the flap114 that connects the front of the band 110 and illustrating closure220. In FIG. 14, closure 220 is shown in the open position. When closure220 is opened, the front panel 108 and the rear panel 106 on the side ofthe wearer can move apart from each other creating opening 226. Thiswill ease the ability to take off and put on the post-medical procedure,e.g., mastectomy, garment 200. In the illustrated example, closure 220is a hook and loop fastener. Back panel 106 further includes a left sideportion 221 with an outer surface 222, inner surface 223 and an end 224.Front panel 108 further includes a left side portion 226 with an outersurface 227, inner surface 228 and an end 229. Closure 220 has a wing230 that is attached to back panel 106. Wing 230 extends from left sideportion 221 at seam 144 to end 224. Loop part 231 can be attached towing 230 on outer surface 222. In an embodiment, wing 230 and loop part231 can be about one inch wide and extend along the length of end 224.In an example, the loop part 231 has a circumferential dimension, whenworn, of greater than 1 inch and in some examples at least 2 inches. Anarrow border 232 without loops is located along wing 230 between end224 and loop part 231. Closure 220 has a hook part 240 that attached tofront panel 108. Hook part 240 is fixed to the inner side or surface 228along end 229. In an embodiment, hook part 240 can be about one inchwide and extend along the length of end 229. The hook part 240 can havethe same dimensions as the loop part 231. A narrow border 242 withouthooks is located along the length of end 224 between end 224 and hookpart 240. In an example, the closure 220 is only on one side ofmastectomy garment 200. In another example, a closure 220 can be locatedon each side of mastectomy garment 200.

In use, the wearer places a right arm through the opening under strap102 and wraps front panel 108 and back panel 106 around their torso. Thewearer grasps wing 230 and left side portion 226 and pulls on both toalign the loop part 231 with the hook part 240. The wearer stretchesfront and back panels 106 and 108, respectively to create a tension inthe fabric of the then fixes the hook and loop parts 240 and 231 toconnect the front panel 108 to the back panel 109. The loop part 240extends far enough so that loop part 240 fully engages the hook part231. The shape of wing 230 distributes the tension from the front panel108 to the entire height of the rear panel 106 while pulling the frontpanel 106 tighter about the torso of the wearer. As a result, thecircumferential size of the mastectomy garment 200 as a whole can beadjusted to fit the wearer's torso and the comfort level of the wearer.The circumferential size and tension of the garment 200 are adjustablesuch that the garment can be individualized for any wearer. Closure 220allows a wearer with limited mobility to take mastectomy garment 200 onand off with less effort.

The front panel 108 includes a fabric cover 151 that extends the entiresize of the front panel. Fabric cover 151 is at least one layer of astretchable, vertically and horizontally, fabric that can providetension and compression to the front of the wearer. The stretchablefabric can be a knit material that can include LYCRA™, spandex, or othersynthetic stretchable polymer. In an example, the resilient stretchablematerial is up to 10% of the content of the fabric. Other wickingmaterial can be used in the fabric cover, e.g., COOLMAX™. Cover 151extends the entire extent of the front panel and it connects to the rearpanel 106. Cup assembly 152 is positioned beneath the cover 151 and ispartially visible in FIG. 14. The cup assembly 152 is not visible inFIGS. 13A and 13B as the cover 151 completely covers the cup assembly152 but the cup assembly 152 is form holding (e.g., semi-rigid). Hence,the cup assembly 152 gives a shape to the front panel 108 which wouldnot exist due to the fabric cover alone. The cup assembly 152 definestwo distinct cups 153, 154 (see, FIG. 15 for a better view of the cups)for receiving the breasts of a wearer. The cup assembly 152 can supportand secure the breasts in place, particularly when the wearer as alarger cup size. The two individual cups 153, 154 can individuallyencapsulate the wearer's breasts.

FIG. 15 shows a rear view of the medical garment 200 including the rearband portion 110B, which can have a stronger elastic strength than theremainder of the band. The rear panel 106 includes a narrow upperportion 161 that can seamlessly transition into the straps 104, 106.Upper portion 161 is sized such that it essentially lays between thescapulae of the wearer and not interfere or chaff the user. The rearpanel 106 includes a lower portion 162, which can be an integral fabricwith the upper portion 161. The lower portion 162 has a height thatextends from essentially beneath the wearer's scapulae and toessentially beneath the circumferential line beneath the wearer'sbreasts. Accordingly, the shape of the upper portion 161, the lowerportion 162, straps 102, 104, and the top part of the front panel 108 tonot interfere with freedom of movement of the arms and shoulders of thewearer.

FIG. 16 shows a rear view of the front panel 108 including the cover 151and the cup assembly 152, i.e., the rear panel is removed to moreclearly show the cup assembly 152. The right and left cups 153 and 154can be sized to fit a woman's breast size and individually encapsulate awearer's breast. Thus, the inventor's of the present invention havefound that a cup, e.g., A, B, C, D, DD, etc. that matches a wearer'sbreast size with a compressive cover, i.e., 151, provides a morecomfortable fit and secures the breasts. The cup assembly 152 includes abridge 169 is positioned between the cups 153, 154. The bridge 169 hasthe less height as compared to the remainder of the cup assembly. Thebridge is essentially flat and narrower at the top than at the bottom.The bridge 169 is a semi-rigid fabric, in an example. The bridge 169acts to hold the cups 153, 154 laterally in place. The bridge 169 isrigid to such an extent that it does not allow the cups 153, 154 to movelaterally relative to each other, yet allows the cups to move forwardand rearward. As a result, the cups 153,154 individually encapsulate thewearer's breasts prior to compression by the outer fabric cover 151 withthe bridge 169 holding the two cups 153, 154 in place relative to eachother.

With additional reference to FIG. 17, a cross-sectional view of cup 154is shown. The front panel 108 includes the front cover 151 overlying theentire cup 154. The flap 114 is affixed to the band 110 beneath the cup154. Loop part 210 is affixed to flap outer side or surface 114A.Aperture 204 is shown extending through front cover 151 and cup 154. Cupassembly 152 can further include a lining or wall 280 of fabric that issewn into each of cups 153 and 154. In an example, the lining can be acotton material, e.g., a cotton mesh. Lining or wall 280 has an upperedge 281. Lining or wall 280 and cups 153, 154 define a prostheticpocket 282 within each of cups 153 and 154. Lining or wall 280 isattached to the outer periphery of cups 153 and 154 such that the centerof lining or wall 280 is seamless to prevent irritation of the wearer.An opening 286 is located at upper edge 281 between lining or wall 280and cups 153, 154. In an example, the opening is at an outer part of thetop edge. The opening may not extend the entire width of the cup. Theopening may only extend half or less than the top dimension of the cup.The opening may only extend a third of less of the top dimension of thecup. In an example, the opening extends downwardly from one corner ofthe top dimension to provide an adequate opening to insert theprosthetic. The opening can include a fastener to close the opening andsecure the prosthetic therein. In an example, the fastener is anadhesive. In an example, the fastener is a hook and loop fastener. In anexample, the fastener is a button. A prosthetic breast insert 284 can beplaced into prosthetic pocket 282 through opening 286. Prosthetic breastinsert 284 is used to simulate a real breast and provide a more naturallook for the wearer. A variety of materials can be used for prostheticbreast insert 284. In one example, prosthetic breast insert 284 can beconstructed with silicone gel covered by a plastic skin. Prostheticbreast insert 284 can be formed in a range of shapes and sizes in orderto closely simulate the shape of the wearer. Medical garment 200 can beworn with or without prosthetic breast insert 284.

It will be within the scope of the present disclosure to provide aprosthetic that is fixed in the cup without an opening.

FIG. 18 shows the medical garment 200 being worn during use with theshoulder straps 102, 104 over the shoulders of the wearer and closure220 retaining front panel 108 and back panel 106 with the wearer'sbreasts being held (lifted, encapsulated and then compressed) in thefront panel 108. The side flaps 112, 114 assist in tightening thegarment around the wearer's torso. The wearer can attach drainage fluidstorage or holding assembly 250 to medical (e.g., mastectomy) garment200. The wearer connects drainage tube end 262 to inlet nozzle 256.Drainage tube end 264 can be connected to a shunt and implanted at thesurgical site to be drained during surgery. Next, the wearer graspscontainer 252 and positions container 252 such that hook tab or member271 abuts and contacts one or more of loop strips 210. The wearerpresses on hook tab or member 271 to cause engagement of hooks on hooktab 271 with the loops of loop strip 210. Container 252 is now retainedto medical garment 200. The wearer can remove the plug 259 from outletnozzle 258 and squeeze or compress flexible container 252 forcing airout from container 252 through outlet nozzle 258. Plug 259 is thenreplaced in outlet nozzle 258 creating a vacuum within container 252.Container 252 is formed so that it is biased to return to its normalnon-compressed state. Compressing container 252 and then plugging outletnozzle 258 with plug 259 creates a vacuum or suction within container252. A continuous suction fluid communication path 214 is formed fromcontainer 252, inlet nozzle 256 and drainage tube 260 to the surgicalsite. Suction fluid communication path 214 allows for the vacuum withincontainer 252 to continuously draw surgical drainage fluid 276 from thesurgical site through drainage tube 260, nozzle 258 and into container252 where it is held or stored.

The wearer can remove and empty drainage fluid storage or holdingassembly 250. The wearer disconnects drainage tube end 262 from inletnozzle 256. The wearer grasps hook tab or member 271 and pulls on hooktab or member 271 to cause disengagement of hooks on hook tab 271 withthe loops of loop strip 210. Container 252 is now free from mastectomygarment 200. The wearer can position flexible container 252 such thatcap 254 and inlet nozzle 256 are pointing downward over a fluid disposallocation such as a sink. The wearer squeezes or compress flexiblecontainer 252 forcing drainage fluid 276 out from container 252 throughinlet nozzle 256. The wearer continues to squeeze container 252 untilcontainer 252 is emptied of drainage fluid 276. Drainage fluid storageor holding assembly 250 can then be reattached to mastectomy garment 200in the same manner as previously described.

FIG. 19 shows a front view of another embodiment of a medical garment300. Medical garment 300 is similar to medical garment 200 except thathook strips 210 have been removed from flaps 112 and 114 and affixed toband 110. Flaps 112 and 114 in FIG. 19 have been shortened in lengthsuch that a wider portion of band 110 is visible. The circumferentialtensioning or tightening structure 208 of flaps 112, 114 and pull therear and front panels 106, 108 together to reduce the circumferentialsize of the garment. Hook part 135 and loop part 136 hold flaps 112 and114 in the same manner as previously described for mastectomy garment200. The wearer can position drainage container assembly 250 such thathook tab or member 271 abuts and contacts one or more of loop strips 210affixed to band 110. The wearer presses on hook tab or member 271 tocause engagement of hooks on hook tab 271 with the loops of loop strip210. Container 252 is now retained to medical garment 300.

FIG. 20 shows a front view of an additional embodiment of a medicalgarment 400. Medical garment 400 is similar to medical garment 200 ofFIG. 13A except that hook strips 210 have been replaced by hook and loopbelts 410. In FIG. 20, four hook and loop belts 410 are shown. More orfewer hook and loop belts 410 can be used. Flaps 112, 114 are optional.Two of hook and loop fasteners or belts 410 are mounted to flap outersurface 112A and two of hook and loop belts 410 are mounted to flapouter surface 114A. Each hook and loop belt 410 includes a free hookpart 412 and a fixed loop part 414. Loop part 414 is attached or fixedto band 110 by a suitable method such as sewing or by an adhesive. Looppart 414 contains a large number of loops. Hook part 412 is attached toband 110 along a seam 416. Hook part 412 can move about seam 146. Hookpart 412 contains a large number of hooks. Hook part 412 can be attachedand detached from loop part 414. The circumferential tighteningstructure 208 of flaps 112, 114 and pull the rear and front panels 106,108 together to reduce the circumferential size of the garment. Hookpart 135 and loop part 136 hold flaps 112 and 114 in the same manner aspreviously described for mastectomy garment 200. FIG. 20 can be modifiedto not have the flaps and include at least one side closure. Thefasteners for the fluid collection system can be on the band beneath thecop assembly.

Drainage container assembly 450 includes a container 252 and a cap 254.A retaining band 452 has a retaining ring 454 that can be affixedbetween cap 254 and container 252. In an example, retaining ring 454encircles the neck or opening of container 252. Cap 254 can be attachedto container 252 via threads such that cap 254 is screwed onto container252 thereby holding retaining ring 454 to container 252. Band 452defines and encircles a slot 456. Drainage container assembly 450 can beattached to medical garment 400 by the wearer positioning drainagecontainer assembly 450 such that band 452 is adjacent hook part 412. Thewearer inserts hook part 412 through slot 456 and presses hook part 412into contact with loop part 414 causing the engagement of the hooks onhook part 412 with the loops of loop part 414. Retaining band 452 is nowfirmly held by belt 410 causing drainage container assembly 450 to beretained to medical garment 400. The wearer may then connect drainagetube 260 to inlet nozzle 256. Drainage container assembly 450 can beremoved from medical garment 400 by the wearer lifting hook part 412away from loop part 414 and sliding hook part 412 out of engagement withretaining bad 452 and disconnecting drainage tube 260 from inlet nozzle256.

FIG. 21 shows a front view of one more embodiment of a medical garment500. Medical garment 500 is similar to medical garment 200 of FIG. 13Aexcept that hook strips 210 have been eliminated and a skirt 510 hasbeen added. Skirt 510 is formed from a fabric material. Skirt 510extends below and is attached to band 110. Skirt 510 is attached to band110 by sewing. Skirt 510 has an upper edge 512 where it is attached toband 110, a bottom edge 513 and an outer surface 514. Several pockets520 are attached to outer surface 514. Pocket 520 is defined by an apron521 of fabric or material that is sewn to skirt 510 along three edges.One edge 522 is not sewn and defines an opening 524 between skirt 510and edge 522. In FIG. 21, four pockets 520 are shown. More or fewerpockets 520 can be used.

Drainage container assembly 550 includes a container 252 and a cap 254.Drainage container assembly 550 can be attached to medical garment 500by the wearer positioning drainage container assembly 550 into one ofpockets 520. The wearer places container 252 through opening 524 intopocket 520. The wearer may then connect drainage tube 260 to inletnozzle 256. Drainage container assembly 550 can be removed frommastectomy garment 500 by the wearer removing container 252 from pocket520 and disconnecting drainage tube 260 from inlet nozzle 256.

While many of the above examples describe hook and loop connectors incertain configurations where the hook part and the loop part are on thecertain structures. It will be understood that the hook and loop partscould be reversed and positioned in the other structure. The hook andloop connector can be VELCRO™. It is further understood that a pluralityof hook and loop fasteners can be provided to support a plurality offluid containers or fluid bulbs.

The present inventor has recognized the need to improve women's postmedical procedure (e.g., mastectomy, lumpectomy, lymphadenectomy,cardiac surgery, lung surgery, back surgery, or other upper torsomedical procedures) apparel by providing a garment that individuallylifts a woman's breasts, individually encapsulates each breast in anindividual cup, compresses the breasts to hold then in place, andincludes an easily removable fluid storage device to hold surgicaldrainage fluid in the days after the medical procedure, e.g., mastectomysurgery. The present garment reduces the level of discomfort experiencedafter medical procedures surgery and may assist in improving patientoutcomes. It is also believed that wearing a properly fitting andsupporting post-procedure garment may reduce the risk or amount ofpost-procedure scarring. The presently described garment holding apatient's upper torso in position, e.g., breast tissue, with arelatively constant compression may also assist in improving patientoutcomes. Patient outcomes can be measured in patient compliance withwearing the garment, possible reduction in the increase in scarring,and/or reduced swelling or liquid retention.

It will further be recognized that the apertures 190A-190F describedabove with regard to FIGS. 1-6 can also be incorporated into theexamples shown and described with respect to FIGS. 13-21. It will alsobe recognized that various garments described herein may also be madewithout apertures 190A-190F. If a garment includes an aperture, then theaperture may be provided in the softer fabric areas only and not in themolded cup portions of the garment.

It will also be recognized that any embodiment described herein includesa side flap, e.g., the embodiments of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 6, 11, 12, 13A, 13B,and 18, can be changed to include the side closure structure of FIG. 14instead of a side flap type closure. It will also be recognized that aside closure need only be positioned on one side of the garment.

The presently described garments may provide circumferential compressionthat may be benefit to an exercise wearer or a post-medical procedurewearer. The materials of the garment can be selected and sized to anindividual to provide compression circumferentially around the wearer'storso. In the case of a post-surgical garment, such compression mayreduce the risk of swelling and/or reduce the risk of lymphedema. In thecase of medical procedures where it is desired to reduce movement orvariable pressure on the chest of the wearer (e.g., a patient), the sideclosure examples described herein may be a benefit to the wearer. Insome cardiac procedures, the sternum must be broken. Movement orvariable pressure may be painful to the patient. The side closureexample may reduce the discomfort to the patient.

The presently described garments may also be of benefit to women whohave reconstructive surgery or breast augmentation. The present garmentmay stabilize tissue and or implants and may reduce complications. Thepresent garments can be adjusted to specifically fit a patient. In anexample, the garment for a patient may be adjusted prior to the surgicalprocedure, then placed on the patient more easily than traditionalbrassieres, e.g., using the releasable straps and/or side openings.Moreover, some traditional brassieres that may be used in post-medicalsituations have a center closure, i.e., between the cups. A potentialdrawback to these brassieres is they pull the breast tissue to thecenter or midline of a patient for closure and, perhaps, after thebrassiere is closed and worn by the patient. Examples of the presentinvention described herein may have a side opening that allows ease ofadornment while providing desired security, compression and support ofbreast tissue.

In an example, a post-medical garment can comprise: a rear panel; afront panel connected to the rear panel, the front panel including anelastic, outer cover fabric and a cup assembly to receive the breasts ofthe wearer; an elastic band beneath the cup assembly; a first strapextending upwardly from the rear panel to the front panel; a secondstrap extending upwardly from the rear panel to the front panel; acircumferential tightening structure to tighten the circumference of thegarment around the torso of the user; a skirt extending below thecircumferential tightening structure fluid; and the skirt having atleast one pocket. The circumferential tightening structure can supportdrainage bulbs or a fluid collection system. In an example, the fluidstorage device can be inserted and removed from the pocket.

In an example, a post-medical procedure surgical garment can comprise arear panel; a front panel connected to the rear panel, the front panelincluding an elastic, outer cover fabric and a cup assembly to receivethe breasts of the wearer; at least one aperture extending through thefront panel; an elastic band beneath the cup assembly; a first strapextending upwardly from the rear panel to the front panel; a secondstrap extending upwardly from the rear panel to the front panel; acircumferential tightening structure to tighten the circumference of thegarment around the torso of the user; the circumferential tighteningstructure including at least one side flap that in a first, freeposition is connected to only one of the front panel and the rear paneland in a second, tensioning position has another end that connects tothe other of the front panel and rear panel; the side flap having aninner surface and an outer surface, a hook part of a first connectorattached to the inner surface and a hook and loop belt attached to theouter surface. A drainage bulb can be supported by the belt. In anexample, a loop part of the first connector is attached to the elasticband. In an example, a fluid storage device is removably attached to thehook and loop belt. The fluid storage device has a retaining band thatis received by the hook and loop belt.

It will be understood that in various embodiments, the garment does notrequire the side flaps but has a side closure system (e.g., FIG. 14).Fasteners for a fluid collection system can be provided on the bandbeneath the cups. For example, the side flaps 112 and 114 of FIGS. 13Aand 13B can be removed and a fastener system for securing the collectiondevices to the band of the garment. FIG. 20 shows an embodiment wherethe side flaps are shown as optional.

Thus, post-medical procedure garments, such as bras, support shirts, andtankinis, and methods of their use have been described. Althoughembodiments have been described with reference to specific exampleembodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changescan be made to these example embodiments without departing from thebroader spirit and scope of the present application. Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A post-medical procedure garment, comprising: arear panel; a front panel connected to the rear panel, wherein the frontpanel includes a cup assembly defining two distinct cups to receive thebreasts of the wearer and an elastic, outer cover fabric extendingacross the cup assembly; an elastic band attached to the rear panel andthe front panel, wherein the elastic band is positioned beneath the cupassembly of the front panel; a first strap extending upwardly from therear panel to the front panel; a second strap extending upwardly fromthe rear panel to the front panel; a circumferential tighteningstructure adjustable over the elastic band to tighten a circumference ofthe garment around the torso of the user, wherein the circumferentialtightening structure includes at least one side flap that is stretchableand extendable over less than half the width of the front panel; and afluid storage device removably attached to the circumferentialtightening structure.
 2. The post-medical procedure garment of claim 1,wherein the fluid storage device has a container and a cap.
 3. Thepost-medical procedure garment of claim 2, wherein the cap has an inletnozzle.
 4. The post-medical procedure garment of claim 3, wherein theinlet nozzle is connected to one end of a drainage tube.
 5. Thepost-medical procedure garment of claim 1, wherein a hook and loopconnector connects the fluid storage device to the circumferentialtightening structure.
 6. The post-medical procedure garment of claim 5,wherein the at least one side flap in a first, free position isconnected to only one of the front panel and the rear panel and in asecond, tensioning position has another end that connects to the otherof the front panel and rear panel, a loop part of the connector attachedto at least one flap and a hook part of the connector attached to thefluid storage device.
 7. The post-medical procedure garment of claim 6,wherein the fluid storage device has an attached tab, the hook part ofthe connector attached to the tab.
 8. The post-medical procedure garmentof claim 1, wherein at least one aperture extends through the cupassembly.
 9. The post-medical procedure garment of claim 8, wherein adrainage tube is positioned to extend through the aperture.
 10. Thepost-medical procedure garment of claim 1, wherein a closure joins thefront panel to the rear panel along a side of a torso of a wearer. 11.The post-medical procedure garment of claim 10, wherein the closure is ahook and loop connector.
 12. A post-medical procedure garment,comprising: a rear panel; a front panel connected to the rear panel, thefront panel including a cup assembly including two distinct cups toreceive the breasts of the wearer and an elastic, outer cover fabricextending over the cup assembly; an elastic band coupled to the rearpanel and the front panel, wherein the elastic band extends beneath thecup assembly; a first strap extending upwardly from the rear panel tothe front panel; a second strap extending upwardly from the rear panelto the front panel; a circumferential tightening structure extendableover at least a portion of the elastic band to tighten a circumferenceof the garment around the torso of the user; and a fluid storage deviceremovably attached to the elastic band.
 13. The post-medical proceduregarment of claim 12, wherein the fluid storage device has a containerand a cap.
 14. The post-medical procedure garment of claim 13, whereinthe cap has an inlet nozzle, wherein the inlet nozzle is connected toone end of a drainage tube, and wherein a hook and loop connectorconnects the fluid storage device to the elastic band.
 15. Thepost-medical procedure garment of claim 14, wherein the fluid storagedevice has an attached tab, the hook part of the connector attached tothe tab.
 16. The post-medical procedure garment of claim 12, wherein atleast one aperture extends through the cup assembly and wherein adrainage tube is positioned to extend through the aperture.
 17. Thepost-medical procedure garment of claim 12, wherein a closure joins thefront panel to the rear panel along a side of a torso of a wearer. 18.The post-medical procedure garment of claim 12, wherein the cup assemblycontains a prosthetic pocket that is adapted to receive a prostheticinsert.
 19. A post-medical procedure garment, comprising: a rear panel;a front panel connected to the rear panel, the front panel including acup assembly defining two distinct cups to receive the breasts of thewearer and an elastic, outer cover fabric extending over the cupassembly; at least one aperture extending through the cup assembly; anelastic band beneath the cup assembly; a first strap extending upwardlyfrom the rear panel to the front panel; a second strap extendingupwardly from the rear panel to the front panel; and a circumferentialtightening structure to tighten a circumference of the garment aroundthe torso of the user, wherein the circumferential tightening structureincludes at least one side flap that in a first, free position isconnected to only one of the front panel and the rear panel and in asecond, tensioning position has another end that connects to the otherof the front panel and rear panel, wherein the side flap includes aninner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the inner surfaceincludes a first connector having a hook part and the outer surfaceincludes a second connector having a loop part.
 20. The post-medicalprocedure garment of claim 19, wherein a loop part of the firstconnector is attached to the elastic band.